ANTEQUERA
FEATURED HOTELS, ANDALUCIA, SPAIN

Antequera
- on the main rail line to Granada, is an ordinary, modern town, but
it does have peripheral attractions in a Baroque church, El Carmen, which
houses one of the finest retablos in Andalucía, and a group of three
prehistoric dolmen caves. The most impressive and famous of these is the
Cueva de Menga, its roof formed by an immense 180-tonne monolith. To reach
this, and the nearby Cueva de Viera (same hours), take the Granada road
out of town - the turning, rather insignificantly signposted, is after
about 1km on the left. A third cave, El Romeral (same hours), is rather
different (and later) in its structure, with a domed ceiling of flat stones.

Parador
de Antequera, AntequeraParador de Antequera, which
has been renovated recently, is a quiet, large hotel surrounded by lush
gardens and a refreshing swimming pool, open in the high season only. The
hotel is easily accessible from all Andalusian capitals, since it’s located
right in the heart of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. The
bar and the coffeehouse, by the pool and gardens, feature an outdoor dining
area that is available all year round. At the restaurant, patrons can sample
traditional dishes from Málaga, full of regional flavours. “Porra
antequerana,” “gazpacho,” “pío antequerano” and “bienmesabe” are
the establishment’s specialities.The hotel has 58 guestrooms and an ample
restaurant commanding stunning views of the Vega Antequerana (Antequera’s
Meadow) and La Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers' Rock).

SPANISH NORTH AFRICA TERRITORIES:

CEUTA
FEATURED PARADOR

Parador
de Ceuta, Ceuta, Spanish North AfricaThe Parador occupies a modern
building backing on to the ancient Royal Walls, in the Plaza de Nuestra
Señora de África, the nerve centre of Ceuta. Its position
offers a magnificent panoramic view of the sea, the historical centre of
the city and even the coast of the Iberian peninsula. An impregnable fortress
for centuries, the vaults of the former Artillery Stores were constructed
on the city walls and are now fitted out as suites. The bedrooms look over
a garden filled with palm trees, with a well cared-for swimming pool and
exceptional views of the sea. Inside, representative elements of numerous
civilizations are conserved, with the Arabic influence predominating.

MELILLA
FEATURED PARADOR

Parador
de Melilla, Melilla - Spanish North AfricaThis Parador is located
on a hill, from which the walled town and the extensive beaches surrounding
it can be seen. Rising up over a small valley in the upper part of the
Lobera park, this building, bathed in the North African sun, enjoys a quiet
position thanks to its private garden and refreshing swimming pool. Comfortable
facilities share elegance and simplicity in the decoration of the bedrooms,
with attractive panoramic views from their terraces. The culinary display,
with a clear Andalusian inspiration, is rich in shellfish and fish. The
'rape Estopiñán' (anglerfish) and fried vegetable salad with
Melilla salted fish stand out.